US National Security Agency/Central Security Service
Cryptanalysis Development Program (CADP) - Entry to Experienced Level (Maryland)
Skills
2 months ago
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Important information
Contract type:
Permanent
Salary:
$87,362 – $172,578 / year
Location:
Fort Meade, MD, USA
Work mode:
Onsite
Published on:
21 August 2026
What they need
Summary
NSA is in search of analysts with a computer science background to solve complex problems, test innovative approaches and research new solutions. We are looking for you to apply your computer science expertise to develop cryptanalytic capabilities and techniques to exploit cryptographic systems. Help protect national security interests as part of the world's most advanced team of computer science and cryptanalytic professionals!
Learn more about this agency
This job is open to
The public
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Duties
The NSA must maintain and develop a highly skilled workforce. The NSA/CSS Cryptanalysis Development Program (CADP) is designed to produce professional cryptanalysts through an intensive, structured program of formal training courses and varied work assignments. The CADP is a three-year development program where participants complete five (5) tours of duty in cryptanalytic offices, attend seven (7) required courses, and choose at least two (2) elective courses. After completion, they are then placed in a technical mission office to use their cryptanalytic skills.
Cryptanalysts at the NSA monitor and detect problems in data flow or collection to ensure collection quality. They analyze garbled intercepts by using processing skills and techniques, conduct analysis of signals and/or cryptographic data, and use that knowledge to diagnose and exploit encrypted material. They also debug and test software programs.
The selected individual will work in a dynamic environment with duties that can include the following: - Analyzing data of various types
- Formulating questions and hypotheses about the data
- Testing hypotheses, usually via computer programs
- Drawing conclusions from test results
PLEASE NOTE: A copy of unofficial transcripts for all college courses must be submitted with the application in order for the application to be fully considered.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- All applicants and employees are subject to random drug testing in accordance with Executive Order 12564.
Qualifications
ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree and no experience.
FULL PERFORMANCE
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience.
SENIOR
Entry is with a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experienc
Education
The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position.
Degree must be in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (for example, Data Science, Physics, Statistics). For Full Performance and Senior level, relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: cryptanalysis, math, research, communications technologies, statistics, computer science, data science, engineering, programming, analysis of data or patterns, or providing formal instruction in any of the above.
Additional information
Pay: Salary offers are based on candidates' education level and years of experience relevant to the position and also take into account information provided by the hiring manager/organization regarding the work level for the position.
Salary Range: $87,362 - $172,578 (Entry/Developmental, Full Performance, Senior) Salary range varies by location, work level, and relevant experience to the position.
???????Training will be provided based on the selectee's needs and experience.
Benefits: NSA offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Schedule: This is a full-time position, Monday - Friday, with basic 8hr/day work requirement between 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (flexible).
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The ideal candidate is someone with a desire for continual learning and strong problem-solving, analytic, and interpersonal skills who is:
- Flexible
- Curious
- Persistent
- Able to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
- Able to collaborate with others
- Likes challenging puzzles
Specialized skills and experience in any of the following is beneficial:
- Programming (low level, high level, parallel)
- Software engineering
- Hardware engineering
- Computational science
- Algorithm analysis and design
- Reverse engineering
Required Documents
The National Security Agency (NSA) is part of the DoD Intelligence Community Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). All positions in the NSA are in the Excepted Services under 10 United States Codes (USC) 1601 appointment authority. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are a veteran claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you may be asked to submit documents verifying your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1261866
Agency contact information
NSA POC
Phone
1-844-424-4737
Next steps
https://apply.intelligencecareers.gov/job-description/1261866
Overview
Accepting applications
Location
many vacancies in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$87,362 - $172,578 per year
Pay scale & grade
GG 7 - 13
Promotion potential
None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 0132 Intelligence
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Excepted Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
- National security
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
1261866
Control number
881607300
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